Contents

History

The SPHL's history traces back to three other short-lived leagues. The
Atlantic Coast Hockey League started play in the 2002–03 season. After its only season, the ACHL dissolved with member teams forming the nucleus for two rival leagues, the
South East Hockey League and the
World Hockey Association 2. After one season the SEHL and WHA2 disbanded, with their surviving teams rejoining with two expansion teams to form the SPHL, commencing with the 2004–05 season.

In November 2014,
Shannon Szabados became the first female goaltender to win an SPHL game, when the Columbus Cottonmouths defeated the Fayetteville FireAntz 5–4 in overtime.[11] In that same game Erin Blair and Katie Guay became the first female officials to referee an SPHL game.[11]

Louisiana IceGators (2009–16) Suspended operations for the 2016–17 season claiming the arena needed the year for renovations but later dissolved. In 2018, the franchise was sold and became the Quad City Storm.[19]

Key rule differences

As per minor leagues, there are some rule differences between the SPHL and the NHL (and even the ECHL and the AHL, the two official developmental leagues regulated by the
Professional Hockey Players' Association).

A team may dress eighteen regular players to a game. Two players dressed for the game will be goaltenders.

A mouthpiece is required for all players except the goaltender.

No curvature of stick limitations as in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.

Shootouts are five players. After five different players have made an attempt, teams may reuse anyone including those who have previously attempted in later rounds, even using the same player in consecutive rounds if desired.